Arab riot in Jerusalem (file)
Arab riot in Jerusalem (file)Flash 90

Thousands of Muslims are expected to riot after Friday prayers on the Temple Mount as Fatah’s armed branch, the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, has declared war and announced that it would give the “green light” to terrorist attacks targeting Israelis beginning on the eve of Yom Kippur. 

While Fatah head and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas negotiates with Israel for the creation of a PA state, the Al Aqsa Brigade has incited all Muslims to take part in the “Day of Rioting” in defending "Palestinian land.”

In response, the Jerusalem police announced on Thursday evening that, following a security assessment, they will be restricting the entry of Muslim worshipers to the Temple Mount for Friday prayers. Among men, only those aged 45 and over with blue ID cards will be allowed to enter the compound.

Thousands of Jewish worshipers are also expected to gather at the Kotel at the start of Yom Kippur, causing security measures to heighten in anticipation of harassment and violence at the hands of groups of Muslims, as was the case during Rosh Hashanah when 15 stone-throwing Islamist rioters were arrested at the Temple Mount. 

Jerusalem police in large forces will be stationed around the Old City and the Kotel starting on Friday morning to maintain order during Yom Kippur.

Police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said that border police, undercover teams and various other elite units are to blanket the area in order to respond immediately to any incidents.